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Agricultural Practices <br />The following are observations from the 19 January 2012 field inspection. <br />Farming was observed in places along the main stem of the Purgatoire River. For example, a field <br />showing signs of farming (irrigation pipes, rows of vegetation) was observed approximately 0.4 mile east <br />of the town of Valdez. This field appeared to be 500 feet wide at its widest point (please see <br />photograph below). Another field was observed approximately 1.5 miles east of Wet Canyon Road in <br />Weston; this irrigated field was also approximately 500 feet wide. <br />Three tributaries to the Purgatoire River (other than the South Fork) were inspected for signs of farming. <br />Reilly Canyon, Burro Canyon, and Sarcillo Canyon were observed for approximately three miles from the <br />river and Highway 12. Ranching was seen but no signs of farming. The valleys were as wide as 500 feet <br />in some locations. <br />Physical Characteristics of Valley Based on Field Inspection <br />The South Fork of the Purgatoire River was inspected from the Purgatoire River upstream to the gate <br />just beyond Bingham Canyon. Much of this area is in the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area (SWA). No <br />farming practices were observed, although several adobe brick structures could indicate a history of <br />farming in the valley. Currently, the valley is dominated by oil and natural gas production activities. A <br />compressor station, pump jacks, several trucks, and other equipment were seen. <br />Several areas were found to have wide, flat valleys that would be suitable to farming. At one location, a <br />range finder was used to determine that the valley is over 700 feet wide (both sides including river bed). <br />In many locations, between the river and one hillside, there is at least 300 feet of relatively flat area. <br />Conclusion <br />Based on my preliminary investigation, it appears that the pertinent reach of the South Fork of the <br />Purgatoire River can be characterized as an AVF. This is due to evidence regarding water availability in <br />the river, soils and other physical features of the valley, and nearby agricultural practices. <br />